Sep 12, 2013 09:13 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Grambling State University has fired 58-year-old Doug Williams, head football coach, Wednesday after the Tigers lost its first two games of the season.

The university said that it decided to 'move in another direction.' It ended Williams' contract, by buying out rest of the contract, which was valid until next season.

"We recognize Doug Williams' many contributions to our football legacy, and we express our deep appreciation for his service to Grambling State University, and we wish him well in the future," Grambling president Frank Pogue said.

George Ragsdale, running backs coach has been named as the interim head coach.

The former NFL quarterback failed to lead his team to victory in the initial phase of the season. The Tigers lost their 2013 opener to SWAC rival Alabama A&M 23-9 and did not succeed against FBS opponent Louisiana-Monroe 48-10 last weekend.

The team reflected poor performance with 1-10 record under Williams in the previous season also.   

The Zachary native served two stints as the team's head coach. First tenure was from 1998 to 2003 and his second stint began in 2011, where he led the Tigers to a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship.

Williams' son, junior D.J. Williams, is a quarterback on the team.

"I know D.J. is emotional, but I told him he has to be strong, and he told me he will," Williams said. "That's all I need for him to be strong. If he's strong, his daddy is going to be all right."

The legendary Tiger quarterback is best remembered as the MVP of Super Bowl XXII and the first African-American quarterback to play in the Super Bowl.

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